Violent Disorder

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In English Law Violent Disorder forms part of the Public Order Act 1986 under section 2.

The Public Order Act 1986 s.2 states:

1) Where 3 or more persons who are present together use or threaten unlawfull violence and the conduct of them (taken together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their personal safety, each of the persons using or threatening unlawful violence is guilty of violent disorder.

2) It is immaterial whether or not the 3 or more use or threaten unlawful violence simultaneously.

3) No person of reasonable firmness need actually be, or be likely to be, present at the scene.

4) Violent disorder may be committed in private as well as in public places.

[edit] Ramifications

• Arrestable Offence (As of Jan 06, this is an indictable offence)

• Triable either way (Can be brought before a Magistrates court or Crown court)

• Five years imprisonment and/or a fine on indictment; six months imprisonment and/or a fine summarily

[edit] References

• Blackstones Police Manual Volume 4 General police duties, Fraser Simpson (2006). pp. 246. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-928522-5